Greater Noida is preparing for a fresh surge of high-intensity cricket as the Big Cricket League (BCL) returns with its much-anticipated Season 2. The world’s first Pro-Am cricket league will be staged at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium from March 11 to March 22, 2026, turning the Uttar Pradesh city into a hub of competitive action for nearly two weeks.
After a successful debut season that drew attention for its unique format, BCL is back with greater ambition and sharper expectations. The concept remains bold and refreshing international cricket stars sharing the field with India’s emerging amateur players in a professionally structured tournament.
Auction Day Adds to the Buzz
All eyes are on the player auction scheduled for February 16. Franchises are expected to build carefully balanced squads, blending international pedigree with fearless domestic amateurs eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage. For many of these players, the auction represents not just a contract, but validation.
If Season 1 laid the foundation, Season 2 is aiming to scale new heights in competitiveness and visibility.
Star Power Returns
The inaugural season featured some of the most recognisable names in world cricket — Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs and Imran Tahir among others. Their involvement gave the league immediate credibility and drew strong fan engagement.
This year, expectations are even higher. With more international cricketers expected to join the roster, the level of competition is set to intensify. Fans can anticipate tighter contests, bigger individual battles and a tournament that carries both reputation and ambition in equal measure.
Strong Institutional Backing
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has extended full support for Season 2, ensuring infrastructure and logistical preparations are in place for seamless execution.
Prerna Singh, ACEO of GNIDA, emphasised the broader impact of hosting the league.
“Greater Noida Authority actively supports initiatives that combine sporting excellence with regional advancement. Hosting Big Cricket League Season 2 at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium is a significant step toward positioning the city as a leading sports destination in the region,” she said.
Vision Beyond the Boundary
League Commissioner Dilip Vengsarkar underlined the core philosophy of the tournament.
“We are proud to bring Season 2 of the Big Cricket League to Uttar Pradesh, with the support of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). As the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, BCL is committed to building a professional platform where emerging amateur talent competes alongside established international cricketers. Uttar Pradesh’s strong focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure provides the ideal environment for this vision to thrive. Through this season, we aim to further strengthen the pathway for aspiring cricketers across the state turning ‘Ab SapneBanenge Haqeeqat’ into a tangible opportunity on the field,” he said.
Founder and President Rudra Pratap Singh described the upcoming season as a defining phase.
“Season 2 marks a defining milestone for the Big Cricket League. The support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) reinforces our vision of building India’s most powerful Pro-Am cricket platform. With international stars joining hands with emerging amateur talent, this season will set new benchmarks in competitive cricket,” he stated.
Chief Patron Puneet Singh believes the league has matured significantly in just one year.
“The response to Season 1 validated our model. Season 2 is not just an expansion, it is an evolution. From the player auction on 16th February to the grand matches in March, every aspect of this season has been strategically elevated to deliver scale, quality and impact,” he said.
CEO and Co-Founder Annirudh Chauhan echoed the long-term intent behind the league’s structure.
“Season 2 represents scale, structure and serious cricketing ambition. With support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), BCL is entering a new phase of growth. Our focus is not just on hosting matches, but on building a sustainable platform where global professionals and India’s rising amateur talent compete at the highest level,” he added.
More Than Just a Tournament
What truly differentiates the Big Cricket League is its access model. In BCL, a doctor, engineer, shopkeeper, marketer, lawyer, entrepreneur or farmer can step into a professional environment and compete alongside seasoned international cricketers. It is a rare blend of aspiration and accountability, where opportunity must still be earned through performance.
As March 11 approaches, anticipation is steadily building. With star power, institutional backing and a format that continues to spark curiosity, Season 2 of the Big Cricket League is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about domestic cricket events of 2026.
For Greater Noida, it is more than a tournament it is a statement. For players, it is a platform. And for fans, it promises twelve days of compelling cricket where experience meets hunger, and reputations are tested ball by ball.